Over 600 representatives from diplomatic missions, companies, startups, investors and universities met in Ho Chi Minh City for France‑Vietnam Forward 2026. The event’s purpose was to strengthen technological cooperation and to find ways to turn research into commercial applications.

Tran Trong Tuyen, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, explained that the city is building an open‑innovation ecosystem. This system links government agencies, businesses, universities and research institutes, letting businesses drive innovation, research bodies supply technical solutions, and the government improve policies and connect resources.

The cooperation will focus on five sectors: transportation, industry, construction, healthcare and financial technology. At the same time, the city gives priority to artificial intelligence, medical technology, construction technology and digital solutions to boost industrial development and digital transformation.

According to Tuyen, the ultimate aim is to move research results out of laboratories and publications into production, business and everyday life. Joint research, new product development, investment links and market expansion with French partners are seen as the main routes to create economic value.

In April 2025 the French Embassy and Vietnam’s National Innovation Center signed an MOU, and France‑Vietnam Forward links French tech firms with Vietnamese partners for viable projects. These links are expected to generate economic value for both countries.